In the near future, the demographics of Malaysia is set to change and the population is expected to be greying, which means there will be many more older people or ‘warga tua’ or senior citizens and there must be preparations to cope as this scenario unfolds.

No one gets younger and everyone grows older but, in this country there is now a declining birth rate, and a subsequent increase in the number of seniors and elders for which the government must be prepared to act in response to the situation.

Ageing must not be viewed negatively, instead the hoary heads of the greying population of this country must still be put to use by leveraging on their wealth of experience, knowledge and skills and seniors must not be shunned or ostracised.

Seniors and elders must be made to be seen as being still useful and productive, but not in conventional terms, and they must be given the opportunity to contribute their expertise acquired over a lifetime.

While they pay back their dues to society for giving them the privilege and honour of building this nation, the government in exchange must address their concerns especially their health and living conditions and financial standing.

The government of the day is encouraged to look into all aspects of the welfare and well being of these seniors and elders and see that they are not soft targets for unscrupulous people who prey on them and they must be watched over, protected and given full care.

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE